Venice Hotels and City Guide

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Venice is a beautiful maze of small islands, waterways and stunning buildings. You’ll be able to explore this fascinating place by foot or by the traditional gondolas. Although you should experience this classic way of seeing the city, you’ll want to make use of the motorized waterbuses. They’re a bit more economical. What’s very interesting about Venice is that its Europe’s largest car-free city and functions well in the 21st century without the use of cars or trucks. Known as the city of canals you’ll also notice how many beautiful bridges there are. In fact, there are over 400 bridges throughout the city. Exploring the fascinating sites is only part of the fun. Getting around the city proves to be part of the experience.

Over 150 canals flow throughout the city, but the Grand Canal is Venice's largest waterway. Its S shape makes its way through most of the city’s six districts. The largest of the six districts, Castello dates from the 13th century and offers the Biennial Gardens as well as many stunning churches and palaces. Cannaregio is the second largest district in the city and has the largest population. You’ll want to visit the Venice Santa Lucia station as well as the many churches located here. Also located here is the Ca' d'Oro, a stunning 15th century building where the Galleria Franchetti is housed. On the first floor, you’ll see a fantastic collection of religious paintings, bronzes, tapestries and sculptures dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The second floor houses works by famous artists such as Titan, Giorgione, and Van Dyck. Although the art is reason enough to come, you’ll be treated to a fantastic view of the city on one of the balconies.

San Polo is the smallest of the six areas and is also one of the oldest in Venice. One of the oldest churches in Venice, the San Giacomo di Rialto is located here. Another historic landmark is the Rialto Bridge, one of the city’s most famous bridges. The Dorsoduro area is situated as the highest region over all other areas in Venice. One of the landmarks here is the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute. The vicinity of Santa Croce can be divided into two sections. The east reflects the medieval times whereas the west seems to have embraced the twentieth century. It’s also the only area of the city where you can travel by car. The sites to see here include the Fondaco dei Turchi, the Church of San Giacomo dell'Orio, the Centre for the History of Costume and the Patrician Palace.

San Marco lies in the heart of the city and includes many of Venice's most famous sights such as the Palazzo Dandolo, La Fenice theater, St. Mark's Square and St. Mark's Basilica. Modeled after Constantinople’s church of the Twelve Apostles, St. Mark's Basilica is a magnificent structure and one of the most beautiful churches in the world. You’ll be treated to a great view of the city when you make your way up the bell tower. Once inside you’ll be drawn to the beautiful golden mosaics that adorn the domed ceilings. It’s also a treasure hunter’s heaven. The treasury is filled with stunning jewels, gold and other fine objects. One of the few non precious metal items here is a thorn, said to have come from the crown worn by Christ. San Marco also houses many exclusive shops and hotels.

Although Venice is far more than just the six districts listed here, the city is compact and can be explored by foot, or by gondola. It continues to draw tourists from around the world with its fantastic buildings, amazing restaurants and world-class entertainment. As Venice continues to work at the never-ending problem of sinking into the water that surrounds it, the city has risen above its hardships and offers a unique place to explore as well as relax in a setting that is breathtaking and almost too beautiful to exist in reality.